Business Travel City Guide: Brisbane

In recent years, Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, has experienced a significant cultural transformation fuelled by dynamic developments like the Queen’s Wharf Precinct and its designation as the Host City for the 2032 Olympics.

The emergence of new hotels, bars, restaurants, and event venues has elevated Brisbane’s status, positioning it alongside its southern counterparts and offering travellers an immersive and enhanced travel experience.

In this Business Travel Guide to Brisbane, we’ll explore the top destinations to visit and things to remember during your next trip to the vibrant capital of Queensland.

What makes Brisbane a great place to conduct business?

Brisbane stands out as one of the premier business hubs in Australia thanks to its vibrant culture, weather, and efficient public transportation. With its compact city centre in a grid-like pattern, navigating Brisbane is easier than in many other capital cities.

Travellers can quickly move around the CBD on foot, as the area is safe, clean, and well-maintained. Despite ongoing infrastructural improvements like the Cross River Rail, traffic disruptions in Brisbane’s CBD are minimal, ensuring smooth business operations for all.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the city?

For travellers needing a reliable and swift trip to the city centre, the Brisbane Airtrain offers a convenient 20-minute ride from domestic and international airports to Central Station. Operating seven days a week, with services departing every 15 minutes during peak times, the Airtrain ensures worry-free travel unaffected by traffic or roadworks.

For those who prefer direct transport to their hotel or office, designated ride-share pickup zones and taxi ranks at arrivals are available at each terminal. During peak hours, the journey typically spans between 30 to 40+ minutes.

Which is the best area of Brisbane to stay in when traveling for business, and why?

The CBD and surrounding areas like Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley, and South Brisbane are the primary destinations for most business travellers visiting Brisbane.

Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane does not operate large satellite cities and visitors will enjoy a range of accommodation choices to fit their budget across all levels, conveniently situated in or close to the city centre.

Where are some recommended places to stay?

Travellers have a wide selection of excellent accommodation choices, including Hyatt Regency, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, or The Westin Brisbane in the CBD.

In Fortitude Valley, accommodations such as Crystalbrook Vincent, The Calile or Hotel X offer a unique and boutique experience.

Commencing in August, the staged opening of The Queens Wharf precinct will expand business travellers’ choices even further. New options include The Dorsett, The Star Grand, and the Rosewood Hotel.

What are the best places to conduct a working lunch / dinner in the city?

Brisbane CBD has many acclaimed dining options, such as Walter’s Steakhouse, Moo Moo The Wine Bar & Grill, Babylon, and Persone.

Just beyond the city centre, visitors can enjoy culinary delights at Black Hide Steakhouse on Caxton Street (also found at The Treasury Casino), Agnes or Honto in Fortitude Valley, Hellenika at The Calile Hotel on James Street, and Greca and Stanley, both nestled within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

What are the top tips for getting the best value out of a business trip to Brisbane?

Opt for a hotel conveniently located within walking distance of your office, customer, or client. Luckily, Brisbane’s CBD is compact and predominantly flat, eliminating concerns about having to walk up hills before a business meeting.

There is also a city centre free loop bus that services popular locations around Brisbane CBD. Business travellers can also take advantage of the variety of business lunch specials in many of Brisbane’s top-rated restaurants throughout the CBD.

What hidden gems are recommended for visiting business travellers?

Brisbane has a vibrant hospitality scene; travellers visiting the ‘river city’ will have plenty of food & drink options to choose from. Some stand-out experiences include enjoying a signature cocktail at Fiume in Crystalbrook Vincent, savouring a whiskey at The Gresham, or indulging in a cocktail at Dr. Gimlette.

James Street in Fortitude Valley offers a boutique shopping experience with many Australian labels, which is worth exploring for those inclined towards retail therapy.

Burnett Lane resembles Melbourne’s laneway network within the city, hosting hidden gems like Brew Café and Wine Bar, Alba Bar and Deli, and the acclaimed Death and Taxes cocktail lounge.

Alternatively, if you seek a more relaxed pace, hop aboard the free CityHopper ferry for a cruise along the Brisbane River, departing from various points along the iconic waterfront.

For those planning a trip to Brisbane after August 2024, the highly anticipated Queen’s Wharf Precinct will begin its staged opening and will be home to unique entertainment options, world-class hotels, and dining experiences. In particular, the Sky Deck will offer breathtaking city skyline views, two restaurants and an open-air bar.

What are common mistakes business travellers make when visiting Brisbane?

Many visitors to the city may not be aware that, like the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Queensland does not observe daylight savings (October – April). This could impact their travel schedules if not accounted for. Additionally, making reservations for lunch and dinner during peak hours is strongly recommended and avoiding dining out late, as many establishments close by 9 PM.

It’s also important to consider the weather, guard against overheating, and dress appropriately for the warmer temperatures and humidity experienced during the summer months, early autumn, and spring. In Queensland, ‘business casual’ attire is often preferred over suits, but this preference varies depending on the industry.

What is the best and worst time of year to travel to Brisbane, and why?

The best time to explore Brisbane is from March to November when the weather is most comfortable. Queensland’s summer can be very wet and humid, potentially causing discomfort for visitors not used to such weather or higher temperatures.

Visitors may also want to avoid travelling during the State of Origin games or significant concert events, as these occasions can lead to limited accommodation availability, congestion and delays in the city’s public transport or ride-share services.

 

All opinions and recommendations are CTM’s own. CTM encourages all travellers to conduct their own thorough, independent research into their travel destination(s) prior to making any travel decisions and take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel.